While both the M4 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are equipped with the M4 chip, their design philosophies and target users are significantly different. Let’s delve into their features to make a more detailed comparison.
M4 MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro Comparison Table
| Feature | M4 MacBook Air | M4 MacBook Pro |
| Weight | 13-inch: 1.24 kg<br>15-inch: 1.51 kg | 14-inch: 1.55 kg<br>16-inch: 2.16 kg |
| Chip | M4 | M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Cooling System | Fanless | With fan |
| Display | Liquid Retina Display | Liquid Retina XDR Display |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits | 1,000 nits (sustained), 1,600 nits (peak) |
| External Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3 | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| External Displays | Up to 1 | Up to 2-4 (depending on the chip) |
| Price (Approx.) | From ¥164,800 | From ¥248,800 |
| Main Use | Everyday tasks, web Browse, light creative work | Professional creative work, development, video editing, etc. |
1. Chip Configuration and Performance
- M4 MacBook Air:
- Equipped with the M4 chip.
- CPU: 10 cores (4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores).
- GPU: 8 cores on the base model, 10 cores available as a customization option.
- Key Feature: The fanless design may limit performance during long-duration, high-load tasks. However, for everyday web Browse, document creation, light photo editing, and programming, it delivers exceptional performance while remaining silent.
- M4 MacBook Pro:
- Equipped with either the M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chip.
- M4 Chip Model: Features the same 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU as the MacBook Air.
- M4 Pro/Max Chip Models: Feature a higher number of CPU and GPU cores. For example, you can choose from a 12-core CPU/16-core GPU on the M4 Pro or a 14-core CPU/32-core GPU on the M4 Max.
- Key Feature: Designed for professional work, it includes a high-performance cooling system (fan). This allows it to sustain maximum performance during demanding tasks like 4K/8K video editing, 3D modeling, and large-scale software development.
2. Display
- M4 MacBook Air:
- Features a Liquid Retina display (13.6-inch and 15.3-inch).
- Maximum refresh rate is 60Hz.
- Pixel density is 224 PPI.
- M4 MacBook Pro:
- Features a Liquid Retina XDR display (14-inch and 16-inch).
- Supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate with ProMotion technology.
- Pixel density is 254 PPI.
- Key Feature: Displays HDR content with incredible vibrancy, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights. ProMotion makes scrolling, videos, and games appear exceptionally smooth.
3. Ports and Expandability
- M4 MacBook Air:
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- MagSafe 3 port.
- 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Supports up to one external display (certain M4 MacBook Air configurations may support two external displays).
- M4 MacBook Pro:
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (on M4 Pro/Max models).
- HDMI port.
- SDXC card slot.
- 3.5mm headphone jack.
- MagSafe 3 port.
- Key Feature: The abundant external ports, including direct HDMI and SD card slots, are highly convenient for creators and professional users. The MacBook Pro also supports more external displays.
4. Pricing
Pricing varies greatly with configuration, but the general trend is as follows:
- M4 MacBook Air:
- The 13-inch model starts from ¥164,800 (tax included).
- The 15-inch model starts from ¥184,800 (tax included).
- The price increases with larger SSD capacity or more memory.
- M4 MacBook Pro:
- The 14-inch model starts from ¥248,800 (tax included).
- Key Feature: The MacBook Pro is positioned at a higher price point than the Air. The cost can increase significantly with an M4 Pro/Max chip and more memory or storage.
Summary
- The MacBook Air M4 is ideal for users who value a thin and light design, silent operation, and excellent battery life. It’s perfect for daily tasks and working on the go.
- The MacBook Pro M4 is the best choice for professional users who demand the highest performance, display quality, and extensive expandability. It’s suited for those who frequently perform high-load tasks like video editing, graphic design, and programming.
